WITHDRAWAL FROM DAKAR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 8

WITHDRAWAL FROM DAKAR

DECISION OF FREE FRANCE LEADER DEVELOPMENT IN DIRECTION NOT ENVISAGED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 26, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 2.3 It is authoritatively stated that General de Gaulle has decided to abandon his operations for the occupation of Dakar. It is understood the decision was made because the operations threatened to develop in a direction not envisaged when the expedition was launched.

Britain to Withdraw It was learned tonight that the British force which accompanied General de Gaulle to Dakar to lend him support is now being withdrawn from that region, following the General’s own withdrawal of troops and ships. This fact was revealed by the Minister of Information in a statement detailing the circumstances leading to the Dakar expedition, which says: } “General de Gaulle had good reason to believe from information I which reached him that a large pro- | portion of the French population of Senegal supported the Free French movement and would welcome his arrival, and that a similar situation might be established there to that which exists in French equatorial Africa. He therefore proposed to Britain that he should proceed there with some of the tronos at his disposal, with the goodwill and support of Britain. “Britain was all the more ready to afford General de Gaulle this support, as information had reached the Government that German influence was spreading to Dakar. “Meanwhile, whilst the expedition was on its passage, the Vichy Government despatched three cruisers from Toulon, which passed through Gibraltar and eventually arrived at Dakar. It was no part of the Government’s policy to interfere with the movements of French men-of-war so long as they were not destined for any ports under German control.” Without Interference “For this reason no hindrance was put in the way of the vessels in question passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. When, .having done so, they pursued a southerly course, they were permitted to proceed. They, therefore, reach Dakar without interference. “When they later put to sea again, steaming south, it was thought that they might be intending to interfere with the situation existing in French Equatorial Africa, which had already declared for General de Gaulle. Ships of the Royal Navy intercepted their passage and insisted on their reversing their course, which they eventually did, two of them returning to Dakar, the third, which was suffering from engine trouble, being escorted by one of His Majesty’s ships towards Casablanca. “On the morning of September 23 emissaries of General de Gaulle, flying the tricolour and white flag, attemepted to land at Dakar, and met with a hostile reception, being fired on and seriously wounded. “The port batteries opened fire on one of General de Gaulle’s warships and subsequently on His Majesty’s •ships which were standing by in order to render General de Gaulle support, and assistance if needed. “Before returning the French fire the Admiral commanding made the following signal in plain language: “Will be compelled to return fire unless fire ceases.” As the fire of the ; shore batteries did not cease it was I returned and both His Majesty’s ships and the shore batteries scored hits and incurred casualties.” • Submarines Sunk

“Fire from the French battleship Richelieu was joined to that of the shore batteries, consequently her fire had to be returned. The British naval commander warned the French authorities that submarines would be engaged if they left the harbour. In spite of this warning three submarines made attacks on our ships and active measures had to be taken against them, with the result that two were sunk, but the entire crew of one, fortunately, was saved and had to be repatriated at the first opportunity. “The forces of General de Gaulle attempted to make a landing, which was not successful, and when it became plain that only a major operation war could secure all of Dakar it was decided to discontinue hostilities, as it had never been the intention of the Government to enter into serious warlike operations against Frenchmen who felt it their duty to obey the command of the Vichy Government.” “ General de Gaulle himself, was most anxious that he should not be the cause of bloodshed to his fellowcountrymen. The forces concerned, therefore, are now being withdrawn from the region of Dakar.”